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Monday, January 23, 2012

Valentine Decorating Ideas - (LOVE)

Here is another masterpiece my mother-in-law and I came up with for Valentine decorating ideas. I don't have any pink in my house and I don't put a lot of effort in to Valentine's Day decorations. I like holiday decor that is simple, classy, and will match what I already have up year round.

I once again turned to Pinterest to find my inspiration for Valentine decorating ideas. One girl had taken a canvas and place the letters LOVE vertically and in two rows. It looked so simple and fun. However, her's had bright splashes of colors for her letters which would not fit my house. Thus the wheels started turning on how I could adapt this project and make it my own.

The best part is that this tutorial is super easy.

Supplies:

-large piece of canvas (my mother and I found a 2 pack at Hobby Lobby and used a 40% off coupon)
-newspaper or old book pages
-Modge Podge
-lighter
-chip board letters ($1.99 a piece at Hobby Lobby)
-black acrylic paint
-sponge brushes
-E-6000 glue

Step 1: The Paper

Now had I had my way I would have found an inexpensive copy of Pride and Prejudice and started ripping out the pages. However I didn't have one on hand. Thus I took a newspaper and started ripping it into pieces. I didn't wan't any photos or large titles that would stand out. It's nice to use different shapes but I suggest trying to make your pieces of ripped paper fairly large. It will take fewer pieces to cover the board.

Step 2: Burn the Edges

I took just a handful of my ripped newspaper pieces and burned the edges just slightly. I did this over my sink so that I could drop the paper if I didn't blow the flame out in time. Please note the newspaper burns quickly. Please use extra caution when do this.

Step 3: Modge Podge

Next comes the Modge Podge. I would take my brush and put a little bit of Modge Podge on the canvas where the paper was going as well as on the back of the paper. Then I would place it down, smoothing it out as much as possible. I would do this to several pieces of paper, layering them on top of one another and had them going different directions. After I had about half of the board covered I would Modge Podge the top of the newspaper, once again smoothing out the ripples. Repeat this step until the whole canvas is covered.

I then Modge Podged the burnt pieces on top, strategically placing them on my canvas using the same process.

I let the whole thing dry for an hour or so and then did one final Modge Podge layer on top.

Step 4: Paint Your Letters

This step doesn't need any explanation. You can seal the paint if you like however I liked the matte look.

Step 5: Glue

I measured the side of my canvas and my letters to center the L and the E. I placed some E-6000 glue on the back and stuck them on. This was easiest as I was able to match the side of the canvas up with the side of my letters. I was then able to take my ruler and place it on the bottom of these two letter to match up the O and the V and just eyeballed it to make sure they were about the same distance apart.

Step 6: Find a fabulous place to display your piece.

I would say that total this Valentine's Day project took me maybe an hour and a half (not including drying time) and took very little skill.

Perhaps one of the things I love most about my last couple of Valentine decorating ideas is that they can be used for more than just this holiday. I could leave the LOVE board or my AMOUR banner up for a while and pull it out for special occasions like anniversaries or date nights.

I really like lettering, randomly placed around my home. I am a new follower! I found your link at the “It’s Party Time” party. I would love for you to link up to my weekly linky party Fluster Muster on Wednesday’s @ http://www.FlusterBuster.com.